‘People smuggling’ investigation launched

Gardaí have launched a “people smuggling investigation” following the discovery of two males hiding while travelling on a ferry arriving at Rosslare Europort in the early hours of Friday morning.

Two other men – the driver and a passenger in the van – were arrested by gardaí for an alleged offence under the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act, 2021.

Both men, aged in their 30s, were detained at a Garda Station in Wexford/ Wicklow Garda Division and have since been released without charge, pending further investigations and the submission of a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Gardaí said that the two males allegedly smuggled into the port were discovered by the ship’s crew during the voyage. The two were attempting to conceal themselves in a small commercial vehicle according to Gardaí, who were alerted in advance of the arrival of the vessel to Ireland.”

Gardaí attached to the Immigration Unit and supported by the Serious Crime Hub in the Wexford-Wicklow Garda Division are investigating all the circumstances of this incident. Investigations will involve liaison with international counterparts.

The Garda spokesperson appealed for anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact Wexford Garda Station 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

3 new crew members at Fethard RNLI

Fethard RNLI volunteers Mark Brennan, shore crew driver, Cathal O’Connell, D class navigator, Gavin Kearns shore crew, Lenny Fourie, Coastal Lifeboat Trainer and Mike Cooper D class crew after the successful assessments. (Pic; RNLI/Fethard).

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI inshore lifeboat Naomh Dubhán launched on exercise on Wednesday evening as volunteer crew members Cathal O’Connell, Mike Cooper and Gavin Kearns underwent several assessments.

Every RNLI crew member follows a structured programme of competence-based training and assessment relevant to their role. This covers a range of skills and competencies necessary to complete tasks both onshore and onboard the lifeboat. Crew training is a continuous process and the learning never stops.

Cathal O’Connell has been a volunteer crew member for nine years and is now Fethard RNLI’s first inshore lifeboat navigator. In his new role he will work with the helm in charge to ensure the lifeboat is always safely navigated.

Mike Cooper joined Fethard RNLI in 2019 and has progressed through his training and assessments to become a qualified crew member.

Gavin Kearns is one of the newer members at Fethard RNLI having joined in June 2023. Following months of training and practice, he is now the newest member of the shore crew team.

Speaking about these achievements Walter Foley, Fethard RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager told WexfordLocal.com; “We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our volunteers here at Fethard RNLI. They give up their free time for training, assessments and emergency call outs. Our volunteers are committed to saving lives at sea whenever the pager sounds, 24 hours a day, every day.”

Enniscorthy and Kilmore Quay supported by Uisce Éireann

Enniscorthy Water Treatment Works at Vinegar Hill (File Pic; Uisce Éireann)

By Dan Walsh

Kilmore Quay and Enniscorthy are Wexford communities benefitting from Uisce Éireann’s €436m plus investment in wastewater infrastructure across the country in 2023.

That’s according to the latest EPA Urban Wastewater Treatment Report published today, which shows the progress being made in tackling long-running issues like raw sewage discharges, while also underlining the need for continued investment in essential wastewater services.

Approximately, 136 wastewater treatment plants across the country have been constructed or had major upgrades since 2014. Last year saw Uisce Éireann continue to make progress in priority areas such as locations where there is raw sewage entering the rivers, lakes and the sea, and sites identified by the European Court of Justice under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

In Wexford, this investment by Uisce Éireann has led to improved wastewater treatment in several communities. 

In 2023, works were completed on a new sewage scheme for Kilmore Quay which has eliminated the discharge of raw sewage into the Eastern Celtic Sea. The discharges had been near the harbour, marina and amenity waters, as well as the Ballyteigue Burrow Nature Reserve. 

KILMORE QUAY Wasterwater Treatment Plant. (Pic; Uisce Éireann)

Elsewhere in Wexford an upgrade to Enniscorthy’s wastewater network was also completed in 2023. These works have eliminated an untreated discharge to the River Slaney, improving water quality in the area while also ensuring compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. The project involved the construction of over 110 metres of new sewers on Mary Street and at the Promenade Pumping Station.

In 2022, the Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Duncannon Sewerage Scheme was completed. This important projected eliminated the discharge of raw sewage into the Barrow, Nore and Suir Estuary, improving and protecting water quality in the area, enabling future population growth. This €12.8 million investment involved the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Arthurstown for the population equivalent of 1,875 and included three new pumping stations as well as associated sewerage infrastructure. 

MICHAEL TINSLEY Uisce Éireann’s Senior Wastewater Delivery Manager

Michael Tinsley, Uisce Éireann’s Senior Wastewater Delivery Manager told WexfordLocal.com; “Uisce Éireann invested over €436 million in wastewater infrastructure in 2023 but will require a multi-million-euro investment programme over many investment cycles to continue to improve infrastructure and to keep pace with the increased demand for new serviced land needed for housing, commercial developments and industry. 

“Sustainable development cannot happen without appropriate water services infrastructure. Uisce Éireann requires the continued support of Government and all stakeholders and it is imperative that Uisce Éireann is given appropriate consideration in the legislation at planning, policy and project level as currently large infrastructure projects can take over 10 years to deliver due to the time required to secure planning and other consents.

“However, once Uisce Éireann breaks ground we have a proven track record of delivering projects on time,” concluded Mr Tinsley.

New book relives the memory of Liam Gaul

At the launch of “A Book for Liam” in Wexford Library were Wally O’Neill (who performed the official launch) and Brian Siggins (co-editor with Nicky Rossiter). (Pic; WexfordLocal.com) 

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Library

A bumper attendance in Wexford Library tonight for the launch of ‘A Book for Liam’ conceived, compiled and edited by Brian Siggins and Nicky Rossiter which is a fresh collection of articles, art and photographs published in honour of Liam Gaul by a selection of new and established contributors.

The book includes Liam’s own work and the work of some of Wexford’s most well-known and established writers and artists including Des Kiely, Dan Walsh, Nicky Rossiter, Monica Crofton, Jack O’Leary, Larry Kirwan and many, many more. Twenty-one contributors in all, and it also includes the work of many new and ‘up and coming’ writers and historians and is full of artwork, photography, poetry, music and more. 

In January 2023 Wexford lost one of its great sons – Liam Gaul – historian, writer, musician, broadcaster and mentor. He was a man with a deep interest in the history of Wexford and was ever willing to help anyone with an interest in history and heritage. 

‘A Book for Liam’ is a tribute to Liam following on from his annual publications ‘Tales, Traditions & Folklore of Wexford’ and like these all profits are going to charities chosen by Liam’s family – County Wexford Hospice Homecare and The Irish Heart Foundation.

Tonight’s launch was a pleasant occasion held in the library which was described as “Liam’s second home” and there was appreciation and tributes from library staff member Susan Kelly who also read a glowing tribute from County Librarian Eileen Morrissey.

Wally O’Neill from Red Books acted as master of ceremonies and one of Liam Gaul’s family, Brigitte spoke about her dad’s passion for writing and history and showed appreciation for the tribute to the family that is ‘A Book for Liam’.

Co-editor Brian Siggins spoke about the origins of the work and the influence of Nicky Rossiter. Unfortunately, Nicky could not be present due to health issues, but he was wished “a speedy recovery” and his efforts were lauded in words and with a round of applause!

Mr Siggins thanked all the contributors – 21 in total – those who assisted with production and printing and he suggested that annual volumes of ‘A Book for Liam’ could well be on the cards in the future!

‘A Book for Liam’ conceived, compiled and edited by Brian Siggins and Nicky Rossiter, A4 size, 96 pages, retailing at €20 per copy is available for purchase at The Book Centre, Wexford, Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford and Reader’s Paradise, Selskar St., Wexford.

€2.1m worth of cocaine seized in Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Approximately 30kgs of cocaine with an estimated value of €2.1 million was seized in Wexford today, as part of a joint operation involving the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), Wexford Divisional Drugs Unit and Revenue’s Customs Service.

A man in his 50s was arrested by An Garda Síochána and is currently detained in the South Eastern Region under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996. 

Investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting organised crime groups and the importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.

1.2m cigarettes seized at Belview Port

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers have seized 1.2 million cigarettes with an estimated value of €1,005,000 following the search of an unaccompanied container at Belview Port, Waterford, which is located on the River Suir just off the River Barrow south of New Ross and west of Great Island.

The seizure took place yesterday (Monday) because of an intelligence-led operation. The illicit cigarettes, branded ‘L & B’, had arrived in Ireland from Rotterdam and represent a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €603,000.

Investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and the supply of illegal tobacco products. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.

Taoiseach and Minister visits Gorey and Arklow

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohue TD with General Election candidate Brian Brennan, and Cllr Darragh McDonald visited Ann Swaine in the House of Cards on Gorey’s Main Street.

By Dan Walsh

Last Friday was a busy day for Fine Gael in the new North Wexford and South Wicklow constituency and, in particular for local General Election candidate Brian Brennan who was delighted to welcome Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohue and An Taoiseach Simon Harris to events in Gorey and Arklow.

The visit began with a highly successful budget breakfast briefing with Minister Donohue and Brian Brennan at the Loch Garman Arms Hotel, where over 100 attendees gathered to hear insights from Minister Donohue on Budget 2025 and to challenge the Minister on areas, they felt were missed including roads funding, the disability sector and VAT thresholds.

At the briefing Brian Brennan stressed the connection between Arklow and Gorey and repeated his commitment to work for the business communities in North Wexford and South Wicklow.
Following the breakfast event Minister Donohue joined General Election Candidate Brian Brennan and Cllr Darragh McDonald in visiting several businesses in the town to hear their views on the budget.

Speaking on the Minister’s visit, Cllr McDonald outlined how important it is for senior politicians to be willing to engage on the ground. “Minister Donohue’s visit to Gorey is a clear commitment to the town’s future development by senior politicians which has been missing for the last number of years. Hearing first hand people’s views on the budget is critical and it was refreshing to see Minster Donohue’s engagement and interest in hearing people’s feedback both positive and negative on this year’s budget,” stated Cllr McDonald.

Following the briefing, Taoiseach Simon Harris visited the Bridgewater Shopping Centre in Arklow, where he received a warm and enthusiastic reception from shoppers, local business owners and recent sports winners from the Arklow Rocks, Geraldines and the Arklow Viking Special Olympics club. Speaking on the first official visit of the Taoiseach to Arklow Brian Brennan acknowledged the Taoiseach’s commitment to our communities, and the warm welcome he received reflects the strong support for Fine Gael’s initiatives in the area.
“The visit of two senior politicians to the new Wicklow Wexford constituency is a clear indication of the serious attention the government is taking to the needs of the areas going forward. If elected I will be a new voice for the area that has been lacking representation for too long and I will continue to ensure both Gorey and Arklow receive the attention they deserve along with the corresponding investment to allow them to continue to thrive, ” concluded Mr. Brennan.



Two Sunday wins for Wexford stables

By Dan Walsh

Seven races at today’s point-to-point fixture at Castletown-Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath, and two Wexford trained winners for Colin Bowe and Sean Doyle.

ROB JAMES enjoyed success at Castletown-Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath today.

The maiden race for four-year-olds was ‘divided’ and success came in division two for the Colin Bowe handled Bonaparte’s Retreat, in the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd colours, ridden by Rob James and two lengths clear at the finish.

Willitgoahead, who won a maiden at Ballinboola last February for the Monbeg Partnership and Ballindaggin handler Sean Doyle, took the honours by nine lengths in the Winner of Two race ridden by Jamie Scallan, Tomhaggard.

Champions Colin and Barry setting an early pace

By Dan Walsh

Multi-times point-to-point championship winners Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill set an early pace in the 2024-’25 championship when winning the opening race of the new season with Auntie Lacey in the maiden race for four-year-old mares at Toomebridge, Co. Antrim today (Saturday).

Brigid O’Neill, Barry O’Neill, Colin Bowe and Fiona Bowe celebrating national point-to-point champions success. It could be another good year for the champions following more success today.

The Kiltealy team had two and a quarter lengths to spare with Auntie Lacey, who is for sale, and it was a Wexford-handled one/two as she was chased home by Clody Diamond handled and ridden by neighbour Rob James, who shared last season’s rider’s title with O’Neill.

Later in the afternoon Barry O’Neill joined forces with Meath handler Tom Dreaper and completed a riding double on Tech Talk by one and a half lengths in the Winner of One race.

There was more Wexford success on the northern card when the only newcomer in a field of five, She Is For Me Boys, scored by two lengths under Brian Dunleavy in the maiden race for mares’ aged five or over.

Owned by the Baltimore Stables Syndicate, She Is For Me Boys was the 50th career winner for Mary Ellen Doyle, now in her seventh year as the licence holder at Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy.

So, a brilliant start for the Wexford stables on opening day of the season and there is a very strong Wexford entry for Sunday’s fixture at Castletown-Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath. First race at 1pm.

In other point-to-point news The Island fixture due to be held at Ballycrystal on Sunday, October 20th will now be run over a new left-handed track at Peppard’s Castle, located on the coast between Kilmuckridge and Ballygarrett.

Gorey embraces ‘Make Way Day’

Wexford County Council and Gorey Pedestrian and Cycling Association gathered outside Gorey Civic Offices with the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, to create public awareness around ‘Make Way Day’ in Gorey.  

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council and Gorey Pedestrian and Cycling Association have supported the ‘Make Way Day’ campaign, an annual event led by the Disability Federation of Ireland that brings the disability and wider community together to consider the needs of people with disabilities in shared public spaces.

In Gorey recently, Wexford County Council’s Access Team together with elected members and Senator Malcom Byrne joined forces with Gorey Pedestrian and Cycling Association and community groups in carrying out a walkability audit to raise awareness about everyday obstacles on footpaths that hinder accessibility for people with disabilities.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Pip Breen said; “I am proud to be here on Make Way Day to raise awareness of the issues for the people of Gorey on our public footpaths. This is a very worthwhile exercise, to ensure we are not taking for granted accessibility in the town and always endeavour to do all we can to make our footpaths easy to use for all our citizens.”

Some of the most common issues that affect people with disabilities include cars parked on footpaths, bicycles illegally parked, bins left out on footpaths.  While most often these issues are unintentional oversights by individuals, ‘Make Way Day’ aims to encourage everyone to think about their actions and how they can affect other people using the shared spaces in the towns and villages.